Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.

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Organic EQIP Sign-up Extended in NebraskaSteve Chick, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska announced the cutoff date for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative has been extended to April 16, 2010. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS, which administers EQIP, has set aside $1.5 million in EQIP funds to help Nebraska organic producers and those who are transitioning to organic production. Applications for the EQIP Organic Initiative are taken continuously throughout the year, but to be considered for Fiscal Year 2010 funding, producers need to have an application signed and returned to their local NRCS office by April 16, 2010. Funding selections will be made on or before May 1, 2010, from those applications received.Related ATTRA Publication: Accessing Organic EQIP

Economics of Transitioning to Organic Crop Production Studied in IndianaPurdue researchers have released results of study comparing profitability of conventional and organic grain production. This preliminary study modifies existing organic and conventional crop budgets in an attempt to apply them to typical Indiana farm operations. This will provide Indiana producers with more information regarding their production options, organic transition profitability, and optimal transition rotations.

Pastured Poultry Producers in Georgia Needed for SurveyGeorgia Organics is collecting data to support the development of processing options for small-scale poultry producers, through a grant provided by Farm Aid. This questionnaire is for farmers currently raising and processing pastured poultry, or for farmers who would like to start raising pastured poultry. Responding farmers should be located in Georgia, or within one hour's drive from the state line (if located out of Georgia).

Study Evaluates Economic Impact of Farmers' MarketsTo understand the economic impact of farmersí markets in the state, Mississippi State Universityís Department of Agricultural Economics and MSUís chapter of the National Agricultural Marketing Association (NAMA) conducted a survey of farmers' market facilities in Mississippi in September 2009. Results from the survey (PDF/155KB) confirm the authorsí opinions that farmersí markets in small- and medium-size communities produce greater economic returns for vendors while filling a void in the demand for fresh produce in the area. Farmersí markets provide major benefits to local communities engaged in economic development.

Funds Available for Water Conservation ProjectsOn April 5, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White announced the availability of $61.2 million for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects. This funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land. AWEP projects are implemented by NRCS entering into partnership agreements with eligible entities. NRCS works with these partners to help landowners plan and implement conservation practices in project areas established through the agreements.

Southern SARE Research & Education GrantThe Southern Region USDA Program on Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is requesting preproposals for systems research and education activities that address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the region and nation. Proposals are due June 1, 2010.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative-Global Food Security GrantThis RFA focuses on the societal challenge to keep American agriculture competitive while ending world hunger. In the Global Food Security Challenge Area RFA, specific program areas are designed to achieve the long-term outcome of increasing food availability and decreasing the number of food insecure individuals. Letters of Intent are due in April, depending on the Program area.Proposals are due August 11, 2010.

Organic Farming Research Foundation GrantsThe Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) funds research on organic farming and food systems and the dissemination of these research results to the greater agricultural community. Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and take place on working organic farms or ranches whenever possible. This request for proposals is open to any agricultural production, social, economic, or policy-related topic of concern to organic farmers and/or ranchers. Proposals are due May 17, 2010.

Northeast Rural SummitApril 12-13, 2010
Burlington, Vermont
Join national and regional USDA leaders, state agency leaders, non-profit and business leaders from throughout the northeastern United States for two days of strategic planning around four crucial directions for the rural northeast:

Food Systems: Local Foods Development and Regional Foods Systems

Energy: Advancing Efficiency, Generation and Fuel Development

Broadband: Global Opportunities & Rural Lifestyles

Rural Economic Development: Investment in Innovation

Beekeeping WorkshopApril 12-15, 2010
Perryville, Arkansas
Learn the basics of beekeeping. Our three day introductory beekeeping course will cover basic bee biology, hive management, equipment needed to build and start a bee hive, plus hands on work of building and assembling bee boxes and frames. We will also suit up and open existing hives and install a new colony of bees.

Livestock Harvesting and Marketing WorkshopApril 6 & 14, 2010
Calhoun & Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Livestock harvesting and marketing workshops will be held in north and south Louisiana for county agents, agriculture professionals, and livestock producers across the state. These are important topics to ensure compliance with regulations as more farmers transition to home harvest, processing and marketing of meat from their grass fed cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.

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New Biodiesel WebinarFarm-Scale Biodiesel Production: Taxes and Financial Incentives. This free webinar is the third in a series on farm-scale biodiesel production. Register now for the April 8th webinar, which will be broadcast at 1PM MDT.